Adios Sur America

IMG_0729, originally uploaded by cbern18.

Well, my time in South America is almost over. I'm not even sure how I chose to come here. I pulled it out of thin air but I am so glad I came and look forward to returning. I only really saw two (Peru and Colombia) or the original six countries I thought I would visit. This continent is a little bigger than I imagined! Just means I'll be back again.

My intention in South America was to get back to nature and relax. Mission accomplished! In the jungles of Colombia, I could recognize the plants and animals I learned about in Peru. I used my first pair of hiking boots on the Inca Trail and it turns out with the right shoes and a porter, I like hiking. I camped for three nights on the trail and then spent eight days in the Amazon jungle. I would have considered it mission accomplished after Peru but in Colombia, I spent even more time outdoors. Hiking and swimming with Max's family was so refreshing. And I hope I can spend every New Year's Day out in the middle of a gorgeous river in the jungle with good friends, like I started 2008. Then I hit the beach in Cartagena and Parque Tayrona. The ocean was so gorgeous and so relaxing. Coming back from the park was like coming out of a dream.

Not only did I fulfill my purpose but I learned so much more. I loved learning about the Incas in Peru. I really like traveling alone but at times I also really hate it. It's been difficult to get in the groove at times but the hard times never last long. It's been scary not know what the hell I'm doing and not speaking the language that well. But it's been good to push past the fear and do it anyway. It's been great to listen to my body and create my own path. I've loved meeting people from all over the world. I've learned so much about other countries and different walks of life. It's also been humbling, saying the wrong things and having to rely on so many people. But overall I'm so happy and grateful that everything went so smoothly. I never imagined it would be this much fun! It's hard to leave South America but I'm looking forward to the next leg of the journey.